Instagram Speeds Things Up with 2x Playback for Reels

If you've ever wished you could speed through Instagram Reels without missing the fun, your wish has just been granted. Instagram has officially launched a 2x playback option for Reels, letting users watch short videos at double the speed.


As of today, the feature is rolling out globally, allowing you to long-press on either side of the screen during playback to speed things up. Once you let go, the video will return to normal speed. It's a simple addition, but one that Instagram users have apparently been requesting for a while.

At first glance, watching a 60-second Reel at double speed might seem unnecessary—after all, these clips are meant to be quick and snappy. But Instagram extended the maximum length of Reels to three minutes back in January, meaning longer videos are now making their way onto the platform. For those who prefer to get to the good part faster, this new feature could be a game-changer.

Instagram isn't the first to introduce this kind of playback control. TikTok already allows users to watch videos at 2x speed, and YouTube viewers have been speeding through content for years. It's all part of the growing trend of consuming media faster—people listen to podcasts at double speed, binge-watch shows with the skip button in hand, and now, Instagram is making sure its users don't get left behind.

So, will this be a hit? Given how fast social media moves and how short our attention spans have become, chances are yes. The option to fast-forward could make Reels more appealing for those who like to power through content. However, for now, the only speed choice available is 2x—there's no slower or faster option beyond that.

Instagram has confirmed that all users will have access to the 2x playback feature starting now. So if you're the type who likes to squeeze in as much content as possible, go ahead and test it out.

Want to read this in Spanish? Spanish Version >>